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DAGOHOY CAVE

Photo from: wenubelib.blogspot.com

Francisco Dagohoy Cave in Bohol is popular because it has historical value for Boholanos. The name of the pristine cave is followed after the patriot Francisco Dagohoy. Most locals people here agree that the cave served as a hideout of the Patriots, who fought against the Spaniards in the 18th century. Dagohoy and other rebels used the cave as their hideout and headquarters for nearly 85 years.

The cave has an underwater passage that leads to the mainland, which helped the rebels and Dagohoy escape Spaniards every time they attack the cave. Description of the Francisco Dagohoy Cave In Bohol: The opening of the cave is 17 meters high, which enables people to take a look at its crystal-filled passages. The passages have a creek that leads to the Wahig River. Inside the cave, people can admire stalactites and stalagmites that can be seen when they light the cave walls with lanterns, torches or flashlights. Visitors can also see skeletons of rebels who died inside the cave. – facebook.com

Photo from: travelandsnaps.com

The Francisco Dagohoy Cave is set amidst the majestic expanse of mountain ranges in the inland municipality of Danao. It is a 5-kilometer walk from Barangay Magtanghoy. Approximately a two-hour drive from Tagbilaran City, about 92 kilometers away, the area is not easily accessible.

The cave is noted for its historical and speleological features. The entrance to the cave is a 17 meter drop into a labyrinth of crystal-studded passages with a stream winding through it. An underwater path leads to dry ground. The stream eventually flows out towards the Wahig River which is 100 meters away. The cave is very picturesque inside with stalagmites and stalactites. With lighted lanterns or flashlights, the walls give out a golden hue. Walls seem to sparkle with crystals, which according to the guides, are caused by the droplets of water on the walls.

The cave was named after a Boholano patriot, Francisco Dagohoy, who started and led a rebellion against Spain in 1744 when the Philippines was under Spanish rule. Magtangtang, in Sitio Caylagon, was Dagohoy’s headquarters and the cave their hideout during the revolt which lasted for eighty five years. The Philippine Historical Commission eventually installed a monument or Dagohoy Marker in Magtangtang to commemorate the place where Dagohoy and his men fought for freedom. This is an apt tribute to these men who sacrificed their lives for an honorable cause.

This historical marker now stands on a plateau overlooking the mountain ranges of Inabanga and Talibon and down the ridges can be found the cave which became Dagohoy’s hideout. Hundreds of Dagohoy’s men preferred death inside the cave rather than surrender. Their skeletons still remain in the site up to this day. – localphilippines.com